Instead of a blank wall, students at Springwood High now have a colourful mural to enjoy.
It took just three days in mid May for mural artists Scott Nagy and Janne Birkner aka Krimsone, to complete the work.
Nagy, a former Springwood High student, was approached by the school to complete the mural, assisted by Birkner, a former Winmalee High student.
The pair mostly paint as a duo, and are responsible for murals in the Mountains including on the water towers at Wentworth Falls and Lapstone, as well as near the fire station in Springwood.
The mural aimed to reflect “hopefulness, be imaginative and peaceful,” Nagy said.
The 8mx10m mural includes a river scene with a boy drawing and imagining. It also includes local flora and fauna and magpies which are the local mascot for the area.
Springwood High art teacher Tina Beechey said the school’s wellbeing team had identified beatification and enhancement of the school’s physical environment as a priority.
“The team recognised the connection between students’ wellbeing and the physical environment. This is supported by research that assesses the impact of public art on wellbeing and the results indicate a high correlation,” she said.
“Public art can have a powerful impact on people’s sense of identity and locality.”
The mural cost about $5000 and was paid for by the school’s Parents and Citizens Association, largely from funds raised during their annual Springwood Art Show.
The duo have been selected to attend Upfest in Bristol, UK, Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival. They will attend the festival in July.